To save her family from financial ruin, Elena Romano is forced into an arranged marriage with the most feared man in New York's underworld-Luca Moretti, a ruthless mafia boss. What begins as a cold, loveless union soon transforms as Elena discovers...
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The morning passed in a blur of meticulous planning. Every detail had to be accounted for, every contingency in place. The weight of the situation was heavier than I wanted to admit, but it was necessary. This wasn't just about us—it was about Elena's future, her safety. And for that, I would move mountains.
The conference room felt like a pressure cooker. The team was gathered around the table, each of them focused but carrying the same tension that I could feel in my chest. Marco, Giovanni, and the others had their own concerns, but we all shared one goal: to confront Elena's parents, to get the truth.
"Alright, listen up," I began, my voice calm but authoritative, "we go over this again, and I mean every word. Elena's parents are a threat. A serious one. We need to be prepared for anything."
Marco, ever the professional, nodded as he adjusted the map on the projector. "I've got eyes on their movements. Surveillance is tight. Any changes, you'll know."
Giovanni shuffled his papers. "The safe house for Elio is secure. Extraction plan is solid. If things go south, we'll get him out. No questions."
I scanned the room, locking eyes with each team member. "Good. Our priority is to get the evidence, face them, and ensure everyone's safety. No emotional decisions. We stick to the plan."
"Understood," Marco said with a sharp nod, his gaze unwavering.
"Same," Giovanni echoed, glancing at the others, who all nodded in agreement.
The plan was set. The team was ready. But no amount of preparation could shield me from what lay ahead. Elena.
As the meeting concluded, I couldn't help but glance her way. She sat in the corner, quiet, her body language screaming that she was holding herself together, but barely. The storm in her eyes was unmistakable—the weight of what we were about to do pressing down on her.
I walked over, my steps deliberate, my heart heavy with a mix of affection and concern. I placed a hand gently on her shoulder, trying to offer some comfort through the storm in my chest.
"How are you holding up?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended.
Elena lifted her gaze to meet mine, her eyes searching, as if looking for the strength she knew I could offer but wasn't sure she could accept. "I'm scared, Luca," she whispered. "Facing my parents... it feels like everything's about to crumble."
I squeezed her shoulder gently, trying to calm the storm I could feel inside her. "I know, El. But we're in this together. No matter what, we're facing this side by side. We've already fought for each other, and we'll keep fighting."
Her voice trembled as she spoke, the vulnerability in it cutting straight through me. "What if this changes everything? What if I can't come back from this?"
I shook my head, giving her a small, reassuring smile. "You don't have to worry about that. We've been through too much for something like this to tear us apart. Our bond is stronger than any of this."
